NFC contender signs one former Cowboy to replace another

Largely circled as the Dallas Cowboys' greatest strength before the 2024 season, the team's cornerback room has not been able to stay healthy.

DaRon Bland suffered a stress fracture in his foot during training camp. Initially given a 6-8 week recovery timeline, Bland suffered a setback and missed the first 10 games. Just as Bland returned, Trevon Diggs has missed the last two games with knee and groin injuries.

With Diggs coming off a torn ACL, many Cowboys fans wanted Stephon Gilmore back after his sublime 2023. Gilmore had to wait a long time to find a new home, but he eventually signed with the Minnesota Vikings, who are in contention for the NFC's top seed with a 10-2 record.

The Vikings' defense is humming under defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Gilmore, to no surprise, is a big reason why.

Unfortunately, Gilmore is banged up this week ahead of Minnesota's game against the Falcons. His status is up in the air. As an insurance policy, the NFC contender signed former Cowboys draft pick Kelvin Joseph.

Vikings sign former Cowboys CB Kelvin Joseph to replace Stephon Gilmore

One former Cowboy replaces another in the North Star State.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell hasn't ruled Gilmore out for Sunday. The 34-year-old is dealing with a hamstring injury, which are likely even more tricky at his age. Signing Joseph gives Minnesota a safety net in case Gilmore can't go, though he would represent a significant downgrade.

A second-round pick of the Cowboys in 2021, Joseph started just three games in two seasons with Dallas. He played just 104 coverage snaps in 2022 and allowed the second-most touchdowns on the team with four and most yards per reception with 19.1, per PFF (subscription required).

Joseph actually enjoyed a renaissance last summer during training camp, but it wasn't enough to save him. The Cowboys traded him to the Dolphins right before roster cuts for cornerback Noah Igbinoghene.

Joseph appeared in four games with Miami before getting cut. He then signed with the Seahawks, but played just one game and only saw the field in a special teams capacity. He spent time on the Chiefs' practice squad earlier this year and later appeared in two games for the Colts.

The Vikings are Joseph's fifth team in four seasons in the NFL. While he didn't pan out in Dallas, it would be nice to see him stick somewhere and find consistent playing time.

As for the Cowboys, Joseph's journeyman career thus far just punctuates their poor track record drafting in the second round.

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